Skip to content

Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra!
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! Paperback - 2011

by Michael Sparke


From the publisher

Stan Kenton (1911-1979) formed his first full orchestra in 1940 and soon drew record-breaking crowds to hear and dance to his exciting sound. He continued to tour and record unrelentingly for the next four decades. Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! sums up the mesmerizing bandleader at the height of his powers, arms waving energetically, his face a study of concentration as he cajoled, coaxed, strained, and obtained the last ounce of energy from every musician under his control.

Michael Sparke's narrative captures that enthusiasm in words: a lucid account of the evolution of the Kenton Sound, and the first book to offer a critical evaluation of the role that Stan played in its creation. Insightful and thought-provoking throughout, and supported by liberal quotes from the musicians who made the magic, even at his most contentious the author's high regard and admiration for his subject shines through. The most knowledgeable of Stan's fans will learn new facts from this far-reaching biography of a man and his music. Stan Kenton will be essential reading for every Kenton devotee and jazz historian.

Details

  • Title Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra!
  • Author Michael Sparke
  • Binding Paperback
  • Pages 345
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher University of North Texas Press
  • Date 2011-06-01
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9781574413250 / 1574413252
  • Weight 1.2 lbs (0.54 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.9 x 6 x 1 in (22.61 x 15.24 x 2.54 cm)
  • Library of Congress subjects Jazz musicians - United States, Kenton, Stan
  • Dewey Decimal Code B

About the author

Michael Sparke was born in Greater London, England, and continues to live there after retiring from teaching. He was first switched on to good music after hearing Woody Herman's First Herd in 1945, and with Stan Kenton soon afterwards via Capitol shellac 78s from America sent by a pen-pal. Collaboration with the Dutch discographer Pete Venudor resulted in the discographies Kenton on Capitol and The Studio Sessions. Sparke has written liner notes for Kenton CDs on several labels, but this is his first full historical narrative about his favorite subject.

Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! (North Texas Lives of Musician): 05 (North Texas Lives of...

Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! (North Texas Lives of Musician): 05 (North Texas Lives of Musician Series)

by Michael Sparke

  • Used
  • very good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781574413250 / 1574413252
Quantity Available
3
Seller
GORING BY SEA, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 2 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$9.90
$10.88 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Paperback. Very Good.
Item Price
$9.90
$10.88 shipping to USA
Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! (North Texas Lives of Musician): 05 (North Texas Lives of...

Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! (North Texas Lives of Musician): 05 (North Texas Lives of Musician Series)

by Sparke, Michael

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Like New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781574413250 / 1574413252
Quantity Available
1
Seller
GORING BY SEA, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 2 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$9.90
$10.88 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Paperback. Like New.
Item Price
$9.90
$10.88 shipping to USA
Stan Kenton : This Is an Orchestra!

Stan Kenton : This Is an Orchestra!

by Michael Sparke

  • Used
  • very good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781574413250 / 1574413252
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$9.29
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
University of North Texas Press, 2011. Paperback. Very Good. Disclaimer:A copy that has been read, but remains in excellent condition. Pages are intact and are not marred by notes or highlighting, but may contain a neat previous owner name. The spine remains undamaged.
Item Price
$9.29
FREE shipping to USA
Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra!

Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra!

by Sparke, Michael

  • Used
  • good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781574413250 / 1574413252
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$9.29
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
University of North Texas Press, 2011. Paperback. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$9.29
FREE shipping to USA
Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! (North Texas Lives of Musician Series)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! (North Texas Lives of Musician Series)

by Mr. Michael Sparke

  • Used
  • good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781574413250 / 1574413252
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$12.09
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
University of North Texas Press, 2011-06-01. Paperback. Good.
Item Price
$12.09
FREE shipping to USA
Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra!
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra!

by Sparke, Michael

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781574413250 / 1574413252
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$20.98
$12.70 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Univ of North Texas Pr, 2011. Paperback. New. 384 pages. 8.50x5.75x1.00 inches.
Item Price
$20.98
$12.70 shipping to USA
Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! (North Texas Lives of Musician Series)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! (North Texas Lives of Musician Series)

by Mr. Michael Sparke

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used:Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781574413250 / 1574413252
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$17.88
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
University of North Texas Press, 2011-06-01. Paperback. Used:Good.
Item Price
$17.88
FREE shipping to USA